Blue Jays' John Schneider pushes back on Eric Lauer 'hate' of opener role

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Blue Jays' John Schneider pushes back on Eric Lauer 'hate' of opener role originally appeared on The Sporting News. Add The Sporting News as a Preferred Source by clicking here.

There was a bit of conflict out of Toronto after Friday's game -- Eric Lauer acknowledged that he has "hate" for the bulk role he was used in during his loss following an opener.

It was quite the bold comment from Lauer, really, and so Blue Jays manager John Schneider was asked about it on Saturday.

For a refresher, Lauer said:

“To be real blunt, I hate it. I can’t stand it... Hopefully it’s not something that we will continue doing, but that’s above my pay grade."

Schneider said this to reporters, via MLB.com's Keegan Matheson:

“I respect everyone’s opinion. I know the end of his quote was ‘It’s above my pay grade’, and it’s definitely above his pay grade how we use him. We’re trying to win.”

Schneider added this:

“He’s aware of that and he knows that. Anyone who’s bounced around a little bit, he wants to start. He’s on board with us trying to win. Go out and execute until we take the ball from you, big fella.”

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Lauer wasn't expected to be in the starting rotation this year, but injuries have given him this chance.

It makes sense that after a so-so outing, he wasn't feeling great.

It's also fair for Schneider not to want Lauer saying quite as blunt of things going forward.

We'll have to see if the Blue Jays use an opener in front of Lauer again his next time out.

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